Simon Grix showed mixed emotions after Hull FC’s 22-20 defeat at Salford Red Devils. The Black and Whites outscored their opposition four tries to three on Sunday afternoon, but were outdone by Marc Sneyd’s kicks at goal, with the former Hull half-back landing five of his six attempts.
Grix, meanwhile, was ‘proud’ of Hull’s effort and competitive nature but was quick to point out the ‘frustration’ of defeat. The interim coach put the fixture down as a game his side could have won, with a bit more polish in attack perhaps enough to gain the victory they crave.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Grix said: “We’re frustrated. We’re obviously proud of the lads, despite the on field result. There were a lot of young blokes out there, which is great for us and our future as a club.
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“It’s great that we’re competing, and everyone has earned a little bit of respect from where we were when we were getting hammered every week, but that’s not in danger of us falling into ‘We’re just competing in games again.’ We want to win, and that was one where we had a few opportunities, and had we been a bit smarter, we might have come away with it. It does feel like we’ve left something out there today.
“I thought the lads in terms of their effort and endeavour were there, it’s just smarts that let us down. We kept doing the same plays and not changing stuff based on what they were showing us in defence.
“We played pretty dumb at times, and then at the end, we got a little bit of depth, we got our skill right, and we got through them. We’re crying out for that from the start. There’s many a lesson, we’re happy with a lot of stuff, but it is frustrating.
“Again, some young lads stood up and got some game time; Will Gardiner, Yusuf Aydin was unbelievable as well, he’s gone about his business quietly since arriving. He’s been really good for us and has showed some toughness and ability to keep turning up.
“It’s just an overall feeling of frustration. The competing bit has to be a minimum for us, we need to win games. There’s a long time left in this season. and we’re showing enough to where we can nick a few games.”
Hull were in the contest throughout, with a damaging two-try period when down to 12-men a huge period in the game. On the stroke of half-time, Tom Briscoe was sin binned for a challenge on Ryan Brierley, and Salford struck twice early in the second half. Grix also pointed out the adversity Hull faced again, losing Danny Houghton and Ligi Sao to injuries.
“I think we’ve seen way worse not given as a penalty,” Grix added. “I think it was more to do with the fact that Logan (Moy) didn’t diffuse the ball and it was free, therefore Brierley could have got the ball. I didn’t think Tom deviated too far. He didn’t run into the back of him. It was one of them, it happens sometimes, and over the course of the season, it evens up.
“That, losing Danny Houghton after 30 minutes or so, and Ligi Sao unable to return, we’re going through a bit at the moment, but it is what it is. Danny has pulled his calf and Ligi has hurt his ribs. It’s not one you can jab up, it’s really in there. They are doubts for the derby. It’s unfortunate for them.”
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